Michigan State University Students Gain Insight into the Irish Equine Industry with Kylemore Abbeys Peaceful Pony Herd
Kylemore Abbey recently welcomed a group of Equine Science students from Michigan State University (MSU). Ireland is renowned for playing a significant role in the Global Equine Industry. MSU’s visit to Kylemore Abbey focused on Connemara ponies and their significance within the industry. Home to a herd of Connemara Ponies since 2019, this is the second time that MSU has chosen to visit Kylemore as part of their study trip to learn about the Irish Equine Industry. The students spent the morning engaging in educational fun filled activities with Kylemore’s pony enthusiasts.
The day began with an introduction to the Connemara pony and the students learned all about the history, characteristics, and lovable traits of the Connemara pony. The students had the opportunity to meet former Clifden Supreme Champion “Coosheen Julie” and her colt foal “Peaceful Benny.” Following this, the students partook in a practical workshop where they assessed “Gray Lass” affectionately known in Kylemore as “Snowy,” one of Kylemore’s most popular ponies, on her movement and conformation. Our pony enthusiasts were on standby to provide any help to the students and answer questions, but there was little need as they had an excellent grasp of the concept. Finally, several topical issues relating to the Connemara pony were discussed through the lens of a breeding, ridden performance, and judging perspective. The students were actively involved in the discussion, and this encompassed different opinions and wider insight into the breed.
Kylemore Abbey aims to preserve the heritage that the Connemara Pony has stamped on the area by educating and sharing the breed with the 550,000 people who visit annually. Speaking after the visit, CEO of Kylemore Abbey, Conor Coyne remarked “The Connemara Pony is not only Ireland’s native pony breed, but also a national symbol of equestrian excellence. The pony is well regarded and admired by equine enthusiasts across the globe. Furthermore, it is a fitting representation for the rugged beauty, unassuming presence, and enduring traditions of the Connemara region itself. We, at Kylemore Abbey, are delighted to share this national treasure with visitors, both domestic and international. It was a pleasure to host equine students from Michigan State University, to learn about our ponies and we look forward to future visits in the years to come”.
Education has been a core ethos in Kylemore’s history for over one hundred years, and the team are delighted to be able to keep this tradition alive through the pony talks that are provided there. In conjunction with learning about the breed, it is also important at Kylemore to talk about the significance of the pony in promoting Kylemore’s flora and fauna. Here at Kylemore, Biodiversity and Sustainability are two of Kylemore’s main focuses. Kylemore strives to conserve and protect natural ecosystems, and the Connemara pony is an excellent example of how flora and fauna co-exist and contribute to biodiversity and the functioning of ecosystems.
All visitors to Kylemore Abbey are welcome to attend a daily pony talk at the Connemara Pony Paddock located beside the tea house in the Victorian Walled Garden, where they can follow a trail of discovery about this native breed and see Connemara ponies up close.
Pic: Students partaking in a workshop on 'linear profiling', with John Nee.